NICE is looking for applications from people to join the Diagnostic Services Guideline Committee as a lay member.

This committee will produce service guidance on the organisation and delivery of diagnostic services for all ages and conditions. These services provide tests to confirm the presence or absence of disease or abnormality. Such tests include imaging (for example X-rays, MRI and ultrasound scans), genetic testing, blood tests, endoscopy, and physiological measurement such as lung function testing.

The lay members of this committee will play a key role in making sure that the views, experiences and interests of patients or service users, parents and carers are central to the committee’s decision-making.

What does a Guideline Committee do?

A Guideline Committee considers evidence and develops recommendations on the appropriate care or delivery of services for people with a specific condition or in specific circumstances. The recommendations aim to promote individualised care for people using health or social care services.

Skills and experience

understanding of a range of diagnostic tests or services and the issues important to patients, service users, carers or communities gained, for example:

through personal experience you have of diagnostic services provided by the NHS

as a relative or carer of a child, young person or adult who has used diagnostic services

as a volunteer or employee of a relevant patient, service user, carer, community or voluntary organisation, or support group

knowledge of the experiences and needs of a wide range of people which gives you the ability to champion patient or carer perspectives on this topic

the ability to use word processing and the internet, and a willingness to communicate by email

time to commit to the work of the committee by attending meetings, reading papers including summaries of research evidence, and commenting on draft documents

good communication and team-working skills

Health professionals will be well represented on the committee, so ideally NICE are looking for someone without a health professional background. A separate advertisement for the for professional members of the committee is available.

More detail including the support available and time commitment required, plus how to apply can be found on the NICE website here.